CA FUNDIS
California is on the leading edge of understanding their fungal kingdom. Our work to document and protect fungi on a statewide scale is unprecedented.
5,900+ collections | 360+ expeditions | 58 counties | 1,000+ species
5,900+ collections | 360+ expeditions | 58 counties | 1,000+ species
About CA FUNDIS
In November 2022, we launched the California Fungal Diversity Survey (CA FUNDIS), an unprecedented state-funded project across the state.
Our goals are to establish a baseline of California's fungal biodiversity and create a replicable model for state-wide fungal documentation and conservation.
This initiative is part of a larger effort addressing California’s climate crisis through Executive Order N-82-20, which aims to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 (known as 30x30).
While California is recognized as one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots due to its species richness, endemism, and conservation risk level of its flora, there is a significant lack of data for fungi. The California Fungal Diversity Survey (CA FUNDIS) was created to fill this gap, making California a leading example in fungal documentation and conservation.
How we reach our goals
Collect open-source field data
Preserve specimens accessioned in local herbaria
Grow our DNA barcode library
Integrate data to guide conservation strategies and land management
Donate
Notable Discoveries
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A new Psilocybe species, “CA01”.
Found by Taye Bright -
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A new “Pillbug Fluff” (Ascomycota species) growing on exoskeletons of dead pill bugs.
Found by Damon Tighe -
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The first record of Liverwort Navel (Loreleia marchantiae) in CA.
Photo by Warren Cardimona -
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This “truffle” fungus matches European and North African sequences, with unique triangular, tarry spore packets.
Harte Singer (Sequencing Program Director) successfully cultured this species. -
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New ectomycorrhizal discovery of fungal species forming previously unknown symbioses with the desert chamise shrub. Found by Michelle Torres-Grant.
